(no subject)

[rusty_halo]

You know how sometimes you're just eating, like, the perfect food? I mean, it's not always the perfect food, but at that particular moment it's exactly what you were craving so it feels so incredibly fulfilling?

That's what I'm eating right now, from a restaurant called Souen on 13th between University and 5th that I usually don't even like. But I'm having tofu scrambled with broccoli, carrots, and onions, with brown rice and greens, and it's so basic and plain and perfect right now.

Or perhaps it could be the rush of caffeine from the energy drink I just consumed that is giving me this happy feeling....

Anyway. Aside from that, I'm rather annoyed at myself right now. See, I realized that Common Rotation was so much better when I didn't like them. Because then it was just, y'know, "if I remember, I'll walk over after work and see this band play." Hang out and have fun; no big deal.

But now that I actually like them, I start to worry. It becomes an event. "Oh, I'm seeing Common Ro, I have to enjoy this." Trying to force myself to enjoy it makes me worry that I won't and then I spend the time worrying instead of enjoying myself. And I worry about getting there on time, and what should I wear? and all that stupid crap that never bothered me before. And like, before, if a band member talked to me, I didn't care, because they're just people and so what? But now I get flustered and sound stupid, or shy and run away.

And the funny thing is, I still don't even like them that much. I mean, I respect their talent, and I believe in supporting independent music, and I'm glad that they exist, and I'm always entertained because they put on a creative and entertaining show. But it's not my kind of music--and I don't say that as some kind of elitist goth person or whatever. The kind of music that I'm drawn to, that connects with me deeply, is very passionate and powerful and concerned about the strongest emotions and the most beautiful or horrible topics. (Or preferably both together). Like, if I were to describe it in colors, I like music that's jet black, midnight blue, intense blood red, deep purple. Whereas Common Ro is more, like, earth tones. Incredibly well done earth tones that I respect, but not something that's going to make me cry because it's so beautiful. It doesn't connect wth me on that deeper level.

Can you tell I'm bored at work? What else is there to do besides spam LJ with inane babble....?

Comments

[miggy.livejournal.com]

That's an interesting comment about the color of music. (And with enjoying events less when you actually care about the performer? So with you there.) My favorite type of music would probably be best described as iPod mini colors: very bright, very shiny, and very, very cold. When I'm writing angst, for example, I find that I don't work best with songs that are actually about deep and meaningful emotions. Instead, I put on incredibly shallow Europop that's practically non-human, so processed and polished is it.

[roquelaure.livejournal.com]

Okay, now you've got me curious. Name some of your favorite bands. I want to know what qualifies as the colors you listed. :)

P.S. Hey, do you have your vegan recipes compiled on a website somewhere? I know you've posted a couple, but I didn't write them down. Now I have a couple vegan friends I'd like to cook friendly food for, but haven't a clue about what to make beyond veggie plates. *sigh* Recommendations for good cook books would be lovely, too. :)

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Hmm.... Well, I'd probably be better off listing albums than bands, since bands change over time. Right now I'm constantly listening to the Cruxshadows' "Wishfire," which is totally those colors. Others, um.... Depeche Mode's darker stuff, Uranium 235's "Cultural Minority," Soundgarden's "Superunknown," Nine Inch Nails' "Downward Spiral," Alice in Chains' "Dirt" (probably my favorite record, often makes me cry ... Layne Staley's voice! ... incredible), Nirvana's "In Utero," um... even a lot of Marilyn Manson's "Antichrist Superstar." Really intense and personal and emotional and passionate and genuine and heartbreaking and beautiful. (I'm an incredibly verbal person, so I always focus on vocals and lyrics, which is what I'm thinking of in the albums I named).

I can email you a bunch of vegan recipes if you want. My favorite cookbook, "Simply Heavenly! The Monastery Vegetarian Cookbook" by Abbot George Burke, is out of print, but if you ever see a copy, grab it. It's by far the best vegan cookbook out there.

The vegetarian resource group has a lot of info and recipes online:
http://www.vrg.org/

Of the stuff I typed up, here's vegan pie recipes:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/drinkthepoisonx/61030.html#cutid1

And vegan cake:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/drinkthepoisonx/61030.html?thread=719206#t719206

Let me know what email address to send to and I'll email you a bunch more.

[roquelaure.livejournal.com]

We have pretty similar taste in music. Did you see the Unplugged show Alice in Chains did before Layne died? I find it equal parts heartbreaking and beautiful. So poignant.

Re: recipes - Woo hoo, thank you! You rock. :)

roquelaure_79@yahoo.com

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Oh, god, only about a hundred million times. So gorgeous and sad. The unplugged version of "Down in a Hole" ... !!!! I have no words.

They've released a bunch of AIC stuff on video... you can get the unplugged show, and also a compilation of all their videos, and a live video from 1990 that's amazing. (And a press kit for their self-titled record with Jerry Cantrell in drag that's very, very strange.)

I sent a donation and a very sincere note to the rehab center that they'd asked donations directed toward after Layne died, and his mother wrote me back this incredibly sweet personal letter. That also made me cry for ages. And a friend of mine knew him and always said he was such a kind person. So much talent, such an amazing person, wasted so horribly, it's tragic. :(

Anyway, also, I just emailed you a bunch of recipes.

[rubywisp.livejournal.com]

Bruschetta is that food for me. Always. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Also? *smooch*

[chenanceou.livejournal.com]

Hon - see you in an hour and change.
I'm depressed - nothing fits me! My jeans are still from the 30 inch days and I need a pair of pants for the show. I think I will have to do a quick trot to the GAP!

rambling babble

[10zlaine.livejournal.com]

See, I've thought about that a little, the not my kind of music. I was trying to figure out what exactly my type is--just this afternoon, in fact. I don't actually have a type. Almost any kind of music resonates in some way with me. But when I think about how music feels in me, the way it affects me from the moment it is created, enters into my ears and becomes electrical input to my brain...well, there are differences.

So, the way I feel with *your* type of music is similar to how you feel. It is rich and thick and heavy and filling and expands from the inside as you take it in, and worms it's way through to the ends of the capillaries. But, other music does different things to me. Like with CommonRo, it's more uplifting, more pure and simple. I feel better when I hear it, more positive, calm, but still, I feel very fulfilled. Earthy, as you say.

So I have to wonder if the specific types of music people listen to, if it has any connection to the sorts of moods they prefer, or need?

Also, something I've been wondering over the last year or so--when people claim to be music snobs or act like one (not *you*--just generally), I have to wonder what actually makes them this all-knowing connoiseur? I mean because most of the people who come off as that have absolutely no background in any sort of music at all--just as a listener. But they think their type is the shit because....why? Have you studied music, music theory, composition, etc? How is one excellent performer in one genre any less better than another in a different genre--particularly if one is more mainstream? (I'm talking those with talent vs. the non-talent, which I believe can be gauged.)

Am I missing some sort of genious gene regarding music? I like Judy Garland, Alan Jackson, Oingo Boingo, Michael Feinstein, Ozzy, and the Doors--tons of others.

I mean, sure. Some music you just never connect with on any sort of level, for some reason or other (Klingon Opera...). But I always wonder how people come to their preferences? For me, it boils down to music good.

[elizard100.livejournal.com]

Hey Laura,
I know exactly how you feel. I respect CoRo as musicians but I'll never sit and listen to them because it's just not my kind of music. Very talented and I hope more people realize this but I don't think I'm ever going to see them just for them. I go to see my friends.

[drujan.livejournal.com]

You are evil. I've finally started the fifth book. Now I can't stop. Who needs sleep anyway, right?